Kasauli regulations to be altered to save green cover

Tribune News Service
Shimla, January 20

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The government proposes to make an amendment to the Kasauli Planning Area regulations so as to protect trees and save forests, like in other parts of the state.

The Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) has invited objections and suggestions for the proposed amendment in Chapter 17 of the Kasauli Planning Area within the next 30 days. As per these amendments, no construction shall be allowed within a radius of two metres from the existing trees and five metres from the forest boundary measured from the circumference of an existing tree.

Illegal tree felling

There have been several instances where builders have not only illegally felled trees to pave way for the construction, but also resorted to ways and means to dry up the trees. Once a tree dries, permission can be sought to fell it, which is being done by many realtors

The amendments pertain to Regulation for Environment and Health so that the forest cover can be protected. Similar provisions already exist in many other parts of the state, including the state capital, so as to protect the green cover.

There have been several instances where builders have not only illegally felled trees illegally to pave way for the construction but also resorted to ways and means to dry up the trees. Once a tree dries, permission can be sought to fell it, which is being done by many realtors.

Kasauli, a popular hill station has been under the scanner of the courts, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The green court had imposed serious restrictions on construction of buildings.

The NGT had come down heavily on various government agencies like the Municipal Corporations, TCP and Forest department for failing to protect the green cover.